Profile of Snakebite Cases Admitted at a Tertiary Care Centre

Snakebite is an important and serious health problem of Uttarakhand more so in far-flung and rural areas. The aim of the present study was, to know the epidemiological profile of Snakebite cases admitted at a tertiary care centre in the Kumaun Region of Uttarakhand. A total 168 cases of Snakebite envenomation were analyzed during the five year period from January, 2007 to December, 2011. Out of 168 cases, 61.90% were male. Most common age group was 21–30 years and male to female ratio was 1.62: 1. The majority of Snakebites occurred at day time (84.52%) and the lower limb was the most preferred site of bite (53.57%). The most common species was Krait (45.23%) followed by Cobra (25%), and majority of victims were admitted between 2nd and 6th day (65.47%). The mortality rate was 8.33% and respiratory failure was the most common cause of death.